Flying; it's not just for the imagination

Even the big boys are excited about the new Martin Jetpack , touted as the "World's First Practical Jetpack."

"We've all seen jetpacks, and people flying around at sporting events, the Olympics, things like that. Most of those jetpacks can only fly for about 20 to 30 seconds. The creator of this jetpack says this one has been tested; they can fly up to 20 minutes."

Dick Knapinski with EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh says the personal flying machine weighs less than 254 pounds, putting it into the ultra-light category. It runs on regular gasoline.

After 27 years of research, the jetpack is coming out now as a prototype. Knapinski says visitors to AirVenture can see it up close, talk with the creators, and see it in action at its public debut beginning Tuesday July 29th.

"What the creators and the developers plan of the Martin Jetpack is to make some flight demonstrations throughout Oshkosh. Of course they're interested, eventually to put this in production, allow people to go zooming about the countryside in a jetpack."

Other attractions at the experimental air show include a Boeing Dream-lifter, the Military's V-22 Osprey, a rocket racing league, foldable aircraft, and the popular WWII War Birds.

The 56th edition of EAA AirVenture takes place July 28-August 3 in Oshkosh.